exotics for web

Should I buy an exotic animal over the internet?
There are serious problems with acquiring an
animal over the internet. You will not be able to
assess the animal’s health and environment
properly. The animal may have been wild-caught.
It can be too easy to purchase on impulse using
the internet, without considering the long-term
commitment.
Trade in larger exotic animals such as alligators
and tigers also occurs over the internet. This is
generally illegal. The animals are often wild-caught
and then smuggled. Transportation is very
stressful for them, and many become ill or die
during transport. It is dangerous to keep large
exotic animals. They should never be considered
as pets.
So, what is the bottom line?
We keep pets in order to give them a good life
while we enjoy their company. This can be very
difficult to achieve with exotic animals. In the
experience of many veterinarians and humane
organizations, most exotic animals do not do well
as pets. Even if you are very knowledgeable and
committed, you should still think twice before
getting an exotic animal.
www.upei.ca/awc
The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre
exists to provide tangible benefits
to animals, through research, service
and education. For further information,
please visit our website at:
So you want
to buy an
exotic
animal . . .
Animal Welfare Series: Brochure # 3
What are exotic animals?
Exotic animals are species that are not native to
our country. Some exotic animals that people
keep as pets are: tropical fish, snakes, iguanas,
parakeets, parrots, hedgehogs, chinchillas, and
sugar-gliders.
What concerns are there about keeping exotic
animals?
The first concern is that exotic animals have very
specialized dietary, housing and medical needs. It
is often difficult, time-consuming, and costly to
meet these needs, and information about them is
not easy to find. As a result many exotic pets
become sick and die, despite their owners’ best
intentions. For example, iguanas are one of the
most frequently purchased exotic pets, and it is
thought that most die within the first year of
ownership.
Where exotic pets come from is another concern.
Some are bred in captivity, but
many are captured in the wild.
Some wild-caught animals are
caught illegally, and many die
through inhumane capture and
transportation. For example, some tropical
fish are caught by using cyanide to force them
to swim to the top of the water. This kills large
numbers of fish and coral every year. Many animals
caught in the wild will never adapt to captivity.
Also, many carry parasites or infections that are
difficult to detect and can be transmitted to people,
native wildlife, livestock and domestic pets.
Most kinds of exotic pets are not domesticated, so
they cannot provide the companionship that we
expect from more traditional pets. Consequently,
owners may give up their exotic animal to a
shelter or abandon it. The Canadian Veterinary
Medical Association is opposed to the capture of
wild animals to be kept or sold as pets.
What steps should I take if I would like to get an
exotic animal?
1. Ask lots of questions.
Consult with your provincial department of
fisheries and wildlife to find out if it is legal to
own the animal. Research the animal’s needs for
shelter, food, companionship, and environmental
temperature and humidity. Consider the costs of
meeting these needs. For example, many people
do not know that young iguanas will grow to an
adult length of 1.5 to 2 meters.
Other things to consider: how noisy is the animal?
Is it social or solitary? How long can it live in
captivity? For example, some birds can live to
be 50 or 60 years old, bond with only one
person and require a structured and
stimulating environment.
Is there a veterinarian in your area with
expertise in exotic animals? Are there
any dangers to people from owning
the animal? For example, turtles,
snakes, and iguanas commonly carry a
disease called Salmonella.
As you do the research, ask yourself
questions. Can I provide for all the needs
of the animal during its life? Is everyone
in my home comfortable with this animal?
Who will provide care when I am away?
2. Investigate suppliers.
Once you decide on an animal, search
for a reputable supplier. Ask lots of
questions. How long has the supplier been
working with this species? Have the animals
been bred in captivity? Does the supplier have
the required permits or licenses? Does the
supplier offer information on care of the animal?
If you buy an exotic animal, make sure it has been
bred in captivity. If you are buying from a pet
store, check that it provides proper conditions for
its animals and current information for owners.
Buying “sick” or “sad-looking” animals only
makes room for new animals to fill that space. If
you have concerns about an animal, the local
humane society has the authority to investigate
complaints.
Another option is to adopt an animal from a
shelter or sanctuary.